In the early 1990s, Captain William H. “Buck” Rogers, a Naval officer who flew planes during World War II, volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Coronado. Each Friday, he and a partner loaded the van and delivered hot, nutritious meals and a smile to more than a dozen homebound seniors.

“We delivered meals to the people that really needed it. It was a pleasure serving my neighbors and a nice way to end my week,” says Capt. Rogers.

In 2015, Sharp Coronado Hospital partnered with Meals on Wheels San Diego County through the organization’s Adopt-A-Route program. Sharp volunteers deliver more than 5,000 meals to Coronado seniors each year, including to Capt. Rogers, now 93.

Capt. Rogers began enjoying the Meals on Wheels service when his wife of 61 years, “Lou” Rogers, became ill, and he started to lose his eyesight. The program allowed him to focus his energy on caring for Lou, and he continued to receive meals after she passed away.

“The Meals on Wheels volunteers do more than just deliver meals,” Capt. Rogers says. “They have an interest in you and offer a means of communication with other people when you might not otherwise have that opportunity each day.”

Capt. Rogers knows from experience that volunteers get almost as much — if not more — out of delivering meals and caring for neighbors.

“The food is very good, but there’s more to Meals on Wheels,” he says. “Someone is always looking out for you. They give a little smile and offer a little happiness — just like good neighbors do.”